The community of Montecito is located in the city of Santa Barbara and is one of my favorite little spots in California. I grew up visiting family there and everything about it – from the quaint streets to delicious foods – makes me feel right at home.
I hadn’t been back in quite a while and finally had the opportunity to spend the weekend there. Looking for a more locals guide to visiting Santa Barbara? (And something off the beaten path?) You’ve come to the right place! Keep reading for our guide to a weekend getaway to Montecito.
Where to stay: Montecito Inn
There’s a lot to love about the Inn, but my favorite elements are that 1) it’s located in the heart of the community and 2) it’s incredibly cozy. PS, we’ll get to this later, but make sure you have dinner at their new restaurant Coast & Olive – the menu is California modern and delicious.
Breakfast & Coffee
Photo courtesy of Yelp 
When it comes to breakfast, you can’t go wrong with any of the below spots. Each one has amazing coffee and well curated breakfast menus.
Jeannine’s Cafe – This local Santa Barbara chain is the perfect spot for a filling (and huge) breakfast. There’s plenty of outdoor seating which is also a plus for social distancing. Don’t miss out on their breakfast specials and fresh pastries.
Bree’osh – Looking for a quick breakfast on the go? Bree’osh is local morning biker riders’ favorite spot! Their cafe menu is short and sweet, just like their food.
Montecito Pharmacy – Okay, technically this spot is called the Montecito Coffee Shop, but there’s a huge pharmacy sign out front. Don’t be confused, this is restaurant (not pharmacy) and they’ve been open since the early 1980s. Think of it as your favorite neighborhood diner for your must have pancakes in the morning.
Lunch & Dinner in Montecito
Photo courtesy of Yelper Lola N. 
When it comes to lunch and dinner there are a whole lot of options in the neighborhood. Below are a few of my personal favorites from my visits over the years.
Lucky’s Steakhouse – Lucky’s is a classic for seeing and being seen. Harry and Meghan were recently spotted having dinner there (so ya know it’s a big deal). Other than being a celebrity hotspot, they do also have great traditional steakhouse items.
Stella Mare’s Bistro – This French bistro serves up all the romantic vibes and more. Think couples’ getaway to the French countryside. The menu is small but has classics like French onion soup, steak frites, and escargots.
Tre Lune – Tre Luna is Lucky’s equally traditional Italian sibling. This cozy Italian spot is another locals’ favorite, especially if you’re craving a plate of pasta!
Coast & Olive – Newer on the Montecito scene, Coast & Olive has a fresh menu with a lot of California favorites. Don’t miss the scallop risotto, it’s a must.
Things to do in Montecito:
If you decide to just hang out in the neighborhood instead of heading into downtown Santa Barbara, there’s quite a bit to do!
Take a tour of Lotusland – The botanical garden was created by Polish heiress Ganna Walska prior to becoming a non-profit. This spot is absolutely magical and perfect for all ages. Pro Tip: plan to book visit 1-2 months in advance as it gets quite busy.
Walk on Butterfly Beach – This beach is a little less crowded as it isn’t as well known as the main Santa Barbara beaches. I recommend picking up some breakfast to go from Bree’osh and having an early walk along the beach.
Shopping on Coast Village Drive – Walk along Coast Village Drive and pop into all the locally owned boutiques. From home decor to designer consignment, there’s something for everyone.
Looking for more ideas for things to do in the area?
Things to do in Santa Barbara: Afternoon Picnic at the Old Mission
